Basil adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuces, mesclun greens from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
lettuces, mesclun greens
+ Add to WorkbenchAbout this ingredient
A mixed young salad green blend — typically arugula, chervil, endive, and other young leaves — originating in the Provençal tradition (mesclar means "to mix" i…
16 pairings
Editorial
Flavor profile
Traditional Provençal mesclun contains approximately equal parts of seven or more young greens — the classic combination includes chervil (anise-forward, delicate), arugula (peppery), romaine (crisp, mild), endive (slightly bitter), radicchio (bitter, colorful), green oak leaf lettuce, and dandelion greens. Commercial "spring mix" approximates this but with variable quality and composition. The best mesclun is made from fresh-cut small leaves harvested just before service — the flavor of cut-to-order young greens is dramatically superior to pre-cut commercial versions that oxidize and wilt quickly. The balance of flavors in a good mesclun mix means the salad can be dressed simply (olive oil, a few drops of good wine vinegar, fleur de sel) without additional components. Added components should enhance rather than overwhelm: a few croutons, some shaved Parmesan, a sprinkle of toasted nuts are appropriate; heavy toppings overwhelm the delicate greens' diversity.
Pairings
Flavor relationships
Pairs well with
basil
cheese, goat
chervil
chives
confit
hazelnuts
lemon, juice
mushrooms, wild
olive oil
parsley, flat-leaf
pecan
pepper, black
salt
shallots
tarragon
vinaigrettes
basil
Basil adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuces, mesclun greens from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
cheese, goat
Cheese, Goat adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuces, mesclun greens more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
chervil
Chervil adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuces, mesclun greens from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
chives
Chives supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuces, mesclun greens's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
confit
Confit complements lettuces, mesclun greens by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
hazelnuts
Hazelnuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives lettuces, mesclun greens more contrast and substance.
lemon, juice
Lemon, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens lettuces, mesclun greens's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
mushrooms, wild
Mushrooms, Wild reinforces lettuces, mesclun greens's earthy side and adds umami depth, especially in richer cooked preparations.
olive oil
Olive Oil adds richness and helps carry lettuces, mesclun greens's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
parsley, flat-leaf
Parsley, Flat-Leaf adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuces, mesclun greens from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
pecan
Pecan complements lettuces, mesclun greens by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
pepper, black
Pepper, Black brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuces, mesclun greens's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
salt
Salt adds seasoning or sweetness that balances lettuces, mesclun greens's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
shallots
Shallots supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuces, mesclun greens's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
tarragon
Tarragon adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuces, mesclun greens from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
vinaigrettes
Vinaigrettes adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuces, mesclun greens work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.
Cheese, Goat adds salt, fat, and savory depth that give lettuces, mesclun greens more structure and make the combination feel fuller.
Chervil adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuces, mesclun greens from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
Chives supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuces, mesclun greens's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
confit
Confit complements lettuces, mesclun greens by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
Hazelnuts adds nutty richness and texture that gives lettuces, mesclun greens more contrast and substance.
lemon, juice
Lemon, Juice brings acidity and brightness that sharpens lettuces, mesclun greens's flavor and keeps the pairing lively.
mushrooms, wild
Mushrooms, Wild reinforces lettuces, mesclun greens's earthy side and adds umami depth, especially in richer cooked preparations.
Olive Oil adds richness and helps carry lettuces, mesclun greens's flavor, giving the pairing a smoother texture and a more rounded finish.
parsley, flat-leaf
Parsley, Flat-Leaf adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuces, mesclun greens from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
pecan
Pecan complements lettuces, mesclun greens by adding contrast, depth, or texture without overwhelming the ingredient's main character.
Pepper, Black brings heat or sharpness that wakes up lettuces, mesclun greens's milder flavors and adds contrast without needing to rebuild the whole dish.
salt
Salt adds seasoning or sweetness that balances lettuces, mesclun greens's sharper, richer, or earthier qualities.
Shallots supplies an allium backbone that deepens lettuces, mesclun greens's savory side and gives the pairing a more complete cooked flavor.
Tarragon adds herbal lift and aromatic contrast, keeping lettuces, mesclun greens from tasting too heavy, flat, or one-dimensional.
vinaigrettes
Vinaigrettes adds acidity, aroma, or depth that helps lettuces, mesclun greens work in sauces, dressings, marinades, and cooked preparations.